Part 2/2. Of unknown authorship, the Dead Sea Scrolls - also known as the Qumran Scrolls - are some of the most important ancient documents ever discovered. Found by a young boy in a cave by the Dead Sea, the scrolls offer invaluable insight into what life was like in Qumran and the surrounding areas 2 millennia ago. But who, if anyone, actually lived there, and what does John the Baptist have to do with it? In our second episode on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Tristan is once again joined by Dr Jodi M...
Oct 01, 2023•41 min•Ep 351•Transcript available on Metacast When examining the role of the Emperor within the Roman Empire, it is often easier to focus on the individual rather than the role itself. With contrasting personalities such as Marcus Aurelius and Caligula occupying the position, it becomes challenging to identify commonalities among Roman emperors. But when you examine the role itself and the responsibilities involved - it might be easier to find commonalities between the individuals than first believed. In this episode, Tristan welcomes Profe...
Sep 28, 2023•40 min•Ep 350•Transcript available on Metacast Part 1/2. Potentially one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever, the Dead Sea Scrolls - also known as the Qumran Scrolls - are a set of Jewish Manuscripts from nearly 2000 years ago. Found in a cave at the edge of the Dead Sea, the scrolls offer value insight into what life was like nearly two millennia ago - but what exactly are these scrolls - and do they tell us anything about a man called Jesus? In this episode, Tristan welcomes back Dr Jodi Magness from the University of Nor...
Sep 24, 2023•34 min•Ep 349•Transcript available on Metacast One of the greatest Pharaohs from Ancient Egypt, Ramesses II is renowned for commissioning some of the most iconic architecture and art from ancient Egypt. But not only was he a great builder and commissioner, he's responsible for the first recorded peace treaty in history, the first recorded diplomatic marriage in history, and a number of monumental victories. So who was Ramesses II - and why is his legacy so enduring? In today's episode, Tristan is joined by Dr Peter Brand from University of T...
Sep 21, 2023•50 min•Ep 348•Transcript available on Metacast The Harappan civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley civilisation, was an ancient urban civilisation that thrived in the Indus River valley in South Asia around 4000 years ago. Known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and incredible culture - it played an integral role in ancient History. But with a script that still remains undeciphered to this day - what do we actually know about the Harappan civilisation? In this episode, Tristan welcomes archaeologist Disha Ahluwali...
Sep 17, 2023•47 min•Ep 347•Transcript available on Metacast When you picture ancient Roman Soldiers, an image of battle-hardened warriors equipped with iron breastplates, large rectangular shields and mighty helmets will no doubt come to mind. Immortalised in cinematic classics like 'Gladiator' or HBO Period Dramas - the depictions of Roman legionaries tend to all look the same on the surface. But how accurate is this bloodthirsty, armour clad vision - and how did the actual Roman legionaries change across the centuries? In this episode Tristan welcomes ...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep 346•Transcript available on Metacast Where do you begin to understand the origins of Chinese civilization? Located near the Yangtze River, the treasures of the Liangzhu culture can be found, a civilisation that dates back to the Neolithic. Today, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Yijie Zhuang from University College London to unearth the fascinating finds and archaeology that help us piece together the story of this important culture. Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly pr...
Sep 10, 2023•44 min•Ep 345•Transcript available on Metacast This episode contains references to sexual assault. Medusa stands as one of the most iconic yet misconstrued figures of Greek mythology. Recognised as one of the three Gorgons, she is notoriously portrayed with serpentine hair and petrifying eyes that turn onlookers to stone. Her life is famously ended by Perseus, the demigod son of Zeus. Popular culture often reduces her to a monstrous caricature, even using her name interchangeably for all Gorgons. But how much of this aligns with ancient reco...
Sep 07, 2023•50 min•Ep 344•Transcript available on Metacast When you think of inventions that helped change the course of history, it's doubtful Olive Oil makes the list. Originating thousands of years ago in the Mediterranean or further east - it's now probably in your kitchen cupboards, or donning the shelves of supermarkets. But how did Olive Oil come to be, and how did the processes behind making it help advance numerous civilisations? In this episode Tristan welcomes Curator of the British Museum's Ancient Levant and Anatolia department, Jamie Frase...
Sep 03, 2023•44 min•Ep 343•Transcript available on Metacast This episode contains references to scenes that some listeners may find distressing In 79 AD, ancient armageddon hit Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius erupted, freezing in time a town and its inhabitants. Nearly 2000 years on, Pompeii's story continues. In the last episode of our special mini series, we're exploring the stages of the eruption, how the town was buried, and how it was eventually found nearly 1500 years later. Hear from our only eyewitness account, Pliny the Younger, on what the tragedy look...
Aug 31, 2023•41 min•Ep 342•Transcript available on Metacast With a history stretching back thousands of years, it’s about time that the Ancients started looking at the extraordinary Maya civilisation in Central America. Even with a range of sources that survive, many aspects of these ancient peoples remains debated and shrouded in mystery. This is especially true when studying warfare and the whole idea of ‘sacrifice’. What were the rules of engagement for the ancient Maya? What was the purpose of warfare? How did they define winning? And what would happ...
Aug 27, 2023•54 min•Ep 341•Transcript available on Metacast An extinct species of archaic human, Homo floresiensis has been discovered solely in one, very specific location - the Indonesian island of Flores. Nicknamed 'the hobbit' due to its diminutive stature (and discovery coinciding with a certain film franchise), this hominid is something of an enigma in the story of human evolution. Both amazing and confusing experts in equal measure since it's discovery more than a decade ago - have we been able to learn anything new in recent years? In this episod...
Aug 24, 2023•40 min•Ep 340•Transcript available on Metacast This episode contains some strong language references to sexual content. Pompeii is shrouded in myths and legends about it's vibrant, after hours, night life. With theories of carved stone penis' pointing towards brothels, frescoes of graphic images, and bawdy graffiti immortalising individual's experiences - there's a lot to unpack when it comes to Sex in Pompeii. But what can we decipher from the archaeology about the lives of sex workers in Pompeii - and are their experiences universal, even ...
Aug 20, 2023•37 min•Ep 339•Transcript available on Metacast Returning to one of the most infamous names in history, what happened to Attila the Hun after the devastation he caused in the Balkans - and where did he turn his attention to next? One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history, Attila turned his sights on the West - but what happened after he took his army towards the Western Roman empire, and who was his new arch-enemy? In this episode Tristan welcomes Hyun Jin Kim back to the podcast to take us through the next deadly instalment of...
Aug 17, 2023•45 min•Ep 338•Transcript available on Metacast This episode contains some references to graphic violence. Gladiators are one the most enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, and Pompeii is no exception. In the second episode of our special series on Pompeii, we're separating fact from fiction with the help of Pompeii's leading experts. We'll be taking you to the heart of gladiatorial life, from the Amphitheatre, to the training barracks, and finding out what life was like. Who could become Gladiators? Who were the most famous ones? What were the d...
Aug 13, 2023•40 min•Ep 337•Transcript available on Metacast One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history - Attila the Hun's legacy has persevered over centuries. His consolidation of the Hunnic tribes helped play a significant role in shaping the ancient geopolitical landscape of 5th century Europe and Asia - ultimately helping him to invade the Western Roman Empire. But where did Attila the Hun come from, and what was his early royal life like? In this episode Tristan welcomes Hyun Jin Kim back to the podcast to take us through this tumultuo...
Aug 10, 2023•44 min•Ep 336•Transcript available on Metacast The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries on earth. Frozen in time since 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted, its story is one that continues today. In episode one of this special series, Tristan Hughes takes you into its bustling streets: from markets to homes, experience the vibrancy and intricacies of Pompeian life. Meet one of the city's most impressive residents and unearth the textures of everyday existence in a world paused in time, only to be rediscovere...
Aug 06, 2023•36 min•Ep 335•Transcript available on Metacast The ancient Persian ruler who founded the Achaemenid Empire, known for his benevolent governance and conquests - Cyrus the Great was a giant of history. History remembers him as someone who conquered numerous lands, established a legendary empire, respected local customs, and allowed religious freedom for his subjects. But what does the archaeology tell us - and was he really that great? In this episode Tristan welcomes Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones back to the podcast, to delve into this ruler's life. ...
Aug 03, 2023•39 min•Ep 334•Transcript available on Metacast One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is home to monumental pyramids, temples, and is a treasure trove of archaeological findings. Built in the early 5th century by the Maya, it has provided invaluable insight into Maya civilisation; from discoveries of sporting arenas to ancient feathered serpents, it's allowed an image of Mayan daily life to be created. But what specifically does Chichen Itza tell us about Mayan society - and what can it tell us about the collapse of Mayan ci...
Jul 30, 2023•51 min•Ep 333•Transcript available on Metacast God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, Poseidon is one of the most iconic Olympians. In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Seth Pevnick, Curator of Greek and Roman art. Together, they untangle the various myths that describe Poseidon, his children, most notably Theseus and Polyphemus, as well as how the people of Ancient Greece used him to make sense of the world around them. Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie Script was written by Andrew Hulse Voice over was performed by Lucy David...
Jul 27, 2023•50 min•Ep 332•Transcript available on Metacast Stonehenge. The most iconic prehistoric monument in the world. And yet its story is still so enigmatic. In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Sue Greaney to shine a light on Stonehenge’s prehistoric story. Together they explore this monument's creation and early evolution during the Neolithic c.5,000 years ago, as well as the story behind the people who built it. Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world re...
Jul 23, 2023•48 min•Ep 331•Transcript available on Metacast Uncovered a decade ago in the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa, Homo Naledi's discovery has impacted paleoanthropology in ways nobody could expect. Upon first discovery, it was assumed this small brained hominid lived millions of years ago - yet when dating of the fossil's was completed, it transpired that Homo Naledi lived at the same time as early Homo Sapiens. So what does this mean for human evolution, and why (and how) were these fossils found so deep inside the Rising Star Cave syst...
Jul 20, 2023•52 min•Ep 330•Transcript available on Metacast The largest of the Channel Islands, when you think of Jersey, it's doubtful that Neanderthals, Woolly Mammoths, and Woolly Rhinoceroses come to mind. But thanks to 20th-century excavations and advancing science in the modern age, we now know that Jersey was one of the largest sites of Neanderthal occupation in Northwestern Europe. With over 200,000 stone tools discovered and skeletal evidence of both Neanderthals and Mega Fauna, it was an island where many coexisted. But how were these incredibl...
Jul 16, 2023•48 min•Ep 329•Transcript available on Metacast Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousand ships - but is there more to her than a beautiful face? Commemorated throughout history in ancient epics and modern adaptations, Helen of Troy is known as one of the most beautiful women to ever have lived. But was Helen of Troy actually real, and from her story what can we learn about women's positions and roles in ancient societies? In this episode Tristan is joined by author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes to discuss Helen's place in mythology, ...
Jul 13, 2023•44 min•Ep 328•Transcript available on Metacast Evolving from an obscure ancient ruler to a contemporary national icon, Chandragupta Maurya's story is finally being told. However, despite tales of leading empires and defeating the successors of Alexander the Great, there is no official record of his events- only moments taken from Greek authors here and there remain. So, how can we decipher fact from fiction, and how have recent reappraisals helped shape Chandragupta's story, and more importantly - a national Indian identity? In this episode,...
Jul 09, 2023•38 min•Ep 327•Transcript available on Metacast The last monument to be added to the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria (also known as the Pharos), was one of the tallest man-made structures in ancient history. Serving as the only guiding beacon along 900km of Mediterranean coast, it played a vital role for sailors, merchants, and travellers in safely navigating into the harbour of Alexandria. But who commissioned this mighty marvel, and what eventually caused its collapse 1500 years later? In this ep...
Jul 06, 2023•45 min•Ep 326•Transcript available on Metacast Discovered in a German cave, days before the Second World War broke out, the Lion Man statue remained an enigma for decades. A figurine that represents a hybrid creature with the body of a human and the head of a lion, the statue is made from mammoth ivory and is estimated to be over 40,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known examples of figurative art. But who carved this detailed figurine, and more importantly - why? In this episode, Tristan welcomes back Palaeolithic Archaeologist Jo...
Jul 02, 2023•33 min•Ep 325•Transcript available on Metacast As the Babylonian Empire fell into decline, and it's power faded, the Persian Empire stepped in to fill the void that was left - but how did this event directly effect the narrative of the Old Testament, and what other sources are available to learn more about this period? As Babylon's infrastructure deteriorated, with crumbling walls and blocked canals reflecting a spiritual decline, rival powers emerged both within and beyond Babylon. Viewed as the chosen one by the Babylonian gods, Cyrus the ...
Jun 29, 2023•42 min•Ep 324•Transcript available on Metacast This episode contains themes of a sexual nature Achilles is one of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology. The son of Peleus, a Greek King, and Thetis, a divine sea nymph, Achilles was a demigod with extraordinary strength and courage. The perfect combination to make a great warrior, he is perhaps best known from Homer's epic poem the Iliad, which details his adventures in the final year of the Trojan War. He's also gone down in history for his passionate love for his companion, Patroclus. Sourc...
Jun 25, 2023•41 min•Ep 323•Transcript available on Metacast When you envision what Earth was like 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after its creation, images of dust-filled air and raging volcanoes tend to come to mind. However, amidst all that chaos, hidden within the rocks and atmosphere, what if water was also present? Traveling back to the beginning of the Solar System and Earth's formation, it turns out that Earth was partially wet from the start. with water molecules clinging to the asteroids that would later form our planet. So, how do we go about p...
Jun 22, 2023•44 min•Ep 322•Transcript available on Metacast 
